Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/əˈpɔɪntmənt/

Definitions

1. noun: An arrangement or agreement to meet at a specific time and place.
2. noun: The act of assigning a job or role to someone.
3. noun: A formal decision made by an authority to place someone in a position.

Usage Examples

• She made an appointment with the doctor for next week.
• The appointment of the new manager was announced yesterday.
• We had an appointment to discuss the upcoming project.

Etymology

From Middle French "appointer" meaning "to appoint," derived from the Old French "aponter," based on the Latin "ad-" meaning "toward" and "punctum" meaning "a point" or "a particular time." The term "appointment" emerged in the 16th century, originally denoting a specific time for meeting or a formal decision.

Synonyms

• Meeting
• Engagement
• Arrangement
• Assignment
• Designating

Antonyms

• Cancellation
• Postponement
• Unarranged

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some accents, particularly in American English, "appointment" is pronounced with a more distinct emphasis on the second syllable, as "uh-POINT-ment." In British English, the word may have a slightly softer vowel in the first syllable, sounding like "uh-POINT-muhnt."

Historical Usage

The term "appointment" has been in use since the late 16th century. Initially, it referred to an arranged meeting or engagement. Over time, the term expanded to include formal appointments to positions of authority or job roles, particularly in political or administrative contexts.

Cultural Nuances

In different cultures, an appointment may carry various levels of formality. In some countries, appointments are seen as more flexible and informal, while in others, they are strictly scheduled and highly formalized, often requiring specific rituals or greetings. In professional settings, an appointment might be a precondition for meetings, with no exceptions made for tardiness or casual attendance.

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